“School safety is a fundamental element of offering every Virginia student a world class education in an environment where they can learn, grow and thrive,” Governor McAuliffe said Thursday in a state news release announcing the awards. “These grants will give our administrators the resources they need to keep students and educators safe so they can focus on preparing for success in the new Virginia economy.”

According to the release, the state awarded a total of $6 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 434 schools throughout the Commonwealth. The grants will fund video monitoring systems, metal detectors, electronic-access controls, visitor-identification systems, direct communications links between schools and law enforcement agencies, and other security upgrades.

The program was established by the 2013 General Assembly in the aftermath of the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., the release stated.

“Parents rightfully expect that public schools will provide safe and orderly environments in which all students can focus on learning,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples said in the release. “The enhancements and systems supported by these grants will help schools meet this basic expectation.”

This is the fourth time WJCC has earned a security equipment grant from the state, according to a release from WJCC. In the past, the funds went to security camera upgrades and improving access control systems.

According to the state news release, the largest grant a school division may receive under the program is $100,000. As a condition of the grant, the winning school system is required to fund at least 25 percent of equipment costs.